Extreme athlete Chris Nicholas ends cross country journey 900 miles short of West Coast

Grand Rapids extreme athlete Chris Nicholas has decided to end his cross country journey.Courtesy Photo

BALMORHEA, TX -- Sitting on an interstate guard rail, extreme athlete Chris Nicholas was at the crossroads of a terrible decision Monday.

Faced with more than 900 miles to reach the coast of California and an injured left knee that forced him to quit running and take up cycling on his around-the-country excursion, Nicholas held onto one last hope that he'd be able to continue.

A trip to a physical therapist told him what he'd already known in his heart: His journey had ended.

"I'm actually kind of tearing up right now. I want to continue. I wanted to finish, but I just can't," Nicholas said Tuesday after determining he couldn't go on.

"To go 4,111 miles so far and not go about 900 miles to the coast line, I can't fathom not being able to do it," Nicholas said. "I'm very sad."

Nicholas was attempting to be the first person to make two trips across the United States within 12 months after completing his first journey on foot last summer.

Faced with 25 mph winds, Nicholas' speed on his bike diminished from 15-18 mph to just 6 mph, doubling his time on the road each day. That extra wear and tear took everything out of him he said.

"When they were working on my knee today at the physical therapist, I don't think I realized how much pain I was in," Nicholas said. "I may have been blocking it out while I was riding."

Nicholas rented a car Tuesday and plans to finish his journey, stopping and meeting people who have been supporting him on social media along both of his trips and also visiting schools and talking to students about his challenges.

"Alexis has been on an emotional roller coaster while I'm doing this, and she's concerned about my health," Nicholas said. "She's worried that my knees won't make it through this and she wants me to come home. It's definitely tough on her too."

Once home, Nicholas plans to complete a book about his experiences.

"By me driving a good portion of the course it should help me settle in with the decision," Nicholas said. "I think I need that downtime to just think and reflect on what's transpired."